Fishing George Lake in Ogemaw County, Michigan

• Overview

  George Lake is set in Ogemaw County, Michigan. Land around it is pine and birch. The water covers some 187 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. There is roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. On our Ogemaw County list it sits near the top for size. Nearest place of any size is Skidway Lake, 15 miles away. Sand Lake follows at 15 miles, then West Branch at 16 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on George Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Across Ogemaw County, recorded fish include bluegill, rock bass and pink salmon. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read George Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 17°F in January up to 68°F in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about early December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. The season on George Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Boats go in at George Lake Boat Launch, roughly half a mile from the water. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Rifle Lake is 0.7 miles off. The position on George Lake is worth confirming on the day.